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Two of the most horrifying little goodies that so often accompany panic attacks and severe anxiety are derealization and depersonalization. Both can be absolutely crippling and take you right to the turnstiles of your perception of insanity. This article will discuss what these spooky phenomena are and what may cause them.

Coming from personal experience, derealization is a deep and disturbing sensation of unreality and detachment from one’s immediate world, rather an altered state of consciousness. It’s been described as feeling as though one is looking at the world through thick glass. I mean, you can see clearly, are fully oriented, and can function; however it’s like you’re operating in a very exclusive dimension. It is an absolutely terrifying experience and generally leads to the belief that insanity is at hand - especially if one hasn’t the knowledge as to what’s really going on. As derealization presents, one becomes extremely concerned about what to do and how to find help. See, it’s all about the fear of being, and appearing, crazy - or at the very least, extremely strange.

Now, just as derealization is an environmental perceptual issue, depersonalization is an equally disturbing self-perception phenomenon. During my junior year in college I walked into the house I shared with some buddies and caught a glimpse of a photograph hanging on the wall of the six of us. Though it was only a glimpse, something just didn’t seem right – that quickly. So I stopped, walked back to the photo and saw this person right in the middle of the picture. I knew who he was, yet I didn’t. But it was me! I can’t tell you how frightening that sensation was. Depersonalizaton holds the potential to snatch away your last morsels of identity and security, having any sort of concept of self relegated to the dumpster.

So, what actually causes these sensations? Recent research has suggested that extraordinary and frightening sensations, such as near-death and out-of-body experiences – which I believe are in the same ballpark as derealization and depersonalization – may occur because of stress-induced malfunctioning brain chemistry. For example, a structure in the temporal lobe (lower side) of the brain known as the angular gyrus, specifically the right angular gyrus, is believed to process sensory input in an effort to aid in the perception of our physical selves. Featured in one particular study was a seizure disorder patient participating in a course of electrical stimulation treatment. During a procedure the electrodes were applied to the right side of the patient’s head (right angular gyrus?), and guess what? When the juice was turned on the patient reported an out-of-body experience. Now, this research doesn’t specifically address the cause of derealization and depersonalization; however it begins to point some fingers. At least I think so.

The strange sensation of floating outside of the body during times of perceptual disorientation may be generated by any number of things, including panic, intense anxiety, major life stress, emotional and physical trauma, and brain disease or injury. As it applies to mental and emotional distress, perhaps as life circumstances begin to overwhelm us we become victims of transitioning consciousness as our minds react by generating custom-tailored out-of-body experiences known as derealization and depersonalization. V.S. Ramachandran, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for the Brain and Cognition at the University of California, San Diego, underscores the power of perceptual alteration by proposing there’s a shift in the very boundaries of self-perception when incoming sensual input doesn’t comply with what one perceives and requires as the norm. By the way, do whatever you can to read any of Ramachandran’s writings because it’s absolutely amazing stuff. This guy is the real deal.

As a past sufferer of this hocus-pocus, I view derealization and depersonalization, intense perceptual alterations, as the mind’s self-protective reaction to the ultimate perceived state of overload. It just seems to me that when the mind believes it’s mega-overwhelmed it flips the switch on a perceptual filter, believing even the slightest additional bit of stimuli may lead to various degrees of psychic meltdown. Yes - it’s the mind in a powerful state of defense. Within this theoretical framework, the mind is trying to give itself a fighting chance to sort and process that with which it’s already wrestling, so it chooses to inhibit the sensory messages streaming in from one’s immediate internal and external experience.

Now, unfortunately, the mind’s fear circuitry is chugging along very independently and just as efficiently as its perceptual filter. So off go the alarms because the sensations experienced as a result of the mind’s work to defend itself, which may include derealization and depersonalization, are causing the alarm circuitry to freak. As a result, one flips into all-out panic mode, desperately trying to reestablish a sense of perceptual orientation and comfort. And that only makes things worse because it totally interrupts the mind’s immediate mission of managing thousands of cars at rush-hour. And so one is left with this ever-building traffic jam caused by two vehicles: an overloaded mind on the verge of meltdown and a very agitated and loudly rebellious fear circuitry. Needless to say, no one’s going anywhere.

I might also suggest that derealization and depersonalization may also present as a result of the mind being so consumed by its present overload, it simply can’t deliver perceptual accuracy in response to what the senses are bringing to the table. Don’t ever forget – this is all about how we receive self and the world. And there’s only so much of the mind to go around. Yes – it does have its limits.

Dr. V.S. Ramachandran, from his book, A Brief Tour of Human Consciousness: From Imposter Poodles to Purple Numbers (Pi Press, 2004), sets the table for his thoughts on derealization and depersonalization by mentioning two fascinating neurological disorders. The first, Capgras Delusion, is characterized by the patient being convinced a close family member or friend is an imposter. The patient has no problem grasping familiarity of appearance and behavior; however the relational significance just isn’t there, and the patient is fully aware of the disconnect. Ramachandran then mentions Cotard’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by the patient believing she has lost everything, even parts of her body, and believes she may, indeed, be dead and is walking about as a corpse.

Ramachandran suggests derealization and depersonalization may well be caused by the same altered brain circuitry that brings on Capgras and Cotard’s, even to the point of referring to derealization and depersonalization as rather a “mini-Cotard’s.” In the face of a life-threatening emergency a piece of anatomy in the frontal lobe of the brain, the anterior cingulate (also involved in the processing of physical pain), becomes active. Its ensuing action pulls in the reins on the brain’s fear circuitry. As a result, disabling phenomena such as fear and anxiety fall by the wayside. But it doesn’t stop there, as the anterior cingulate then ramps-up alertness just in case we need to defend ourselves. Well, the bottom-line is we’re left in this emotionally void and hypervigilant state, and Dr. Ramachandran proposes we have but two alternatives to account for what’s happened: “The world just isn’t real,” presenting in the form of derealization, and “I’m not real,” presenting in the form of depersonalization. Go back several paragraphs to my description of my personal experience with depersonalization. One of my statements was, “I knew who he was, yet I didn’t.” Kaboom – what a fit.

I find all of this really very fascinating, especially when you consider that something that feels so horribly frightening, and that holds the potential to cause such major dysfunction, may actually be the mind’s naturally intended way of protecting itself. Indeed, the mind may be saying, “I’ve got a bit more than I can handle here – could someone please help me out?” To me, assigning a personality, if you will, to the mind gives its generated distressing phenomena a bit of softness and gentleness; making them seem so much less abysmal. I mean, it’s like the mind is this living, feeling being to which we can show compassion as it’s hurt, confused, worn-out, and desperately in need of rest and care. I really believe in this relationship with mind, and it’s my opinion the only thing that keeps us from realizing its fullest two-way potential is overcoming our misinterpretations and overreactions to the mind’s naturally occurring protective mechanisms. Yes - as soon as we sense the beginnings of sensations such as derealization or depersonalization, and the alarms sound, we think our way to exaggerated and inappropriate reactions. And it’s this dynamic that causes all the hubbub, not the perceptual alterations themselves.

Well, hey – that’s it for this writing. Hopefully you know a bit more than you knew coming in. And if derealization and/or depersonalization are tearing your life apart, here’s hoping for some insight and relief. Don’t ever forget – you are not going crazy! Keep an eye out for my article, Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Adios! to Derealization and Depersonalization. It’s a great bit of follow-up.

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Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful

Dealing with panick attack symptoms can be a simple step-by-step process which many sufferers fail to understand. Realise that if you suffer panic attacks on a regular basis then you need to identify the root cause before implementing strategies to reduce it’s incidence in your life.

Ryan suffered from symptoms constantly for many years. Today he is virtually panic attack free after finally putting into practice some well worn advice. You see, Ryan worried about a lot of things and basically talked himself into an attack. He would dwell on things that were usually scary and depressing and would work himself into unnecesary mood swings. But the truth was that Ryan really had nothing to worry about. He had a job “to die for”… a sports presenter with a local television station; though he was recently divorced his single lifestyle was the envy of many of his friends, and he really didn’t have any financial worries. So why did he often get down on himself.

During his divorce, Ryan realised he had developed a low self-esteem and convinced himself he was unworthy of many things. He perceived that he had failed at the one thing he prided himself on and that was to maintain a strong relationship with his then wife. But the reality was that while the marriage fell apart, Ryan considered it was himself who was the cause; at least this is what he was constantly told and thoughts of unworthiness began to invade his mind. Over the course of time, he failed to handle any type of rejection no matter how insignificant it was and it got to the stage where his expectation of things was always the worst outcome.

Ryan eventually found the courage to understand what it was that caused his panic attacks. He had too. He had almost become reclusive; his friends were dropping off fast and even his role as a television personality was under threat simply because he couldn’t fulfil his P.R. obligations. He didn’t want to be around people simply for the reason of suffering another attack. Finally, he sought help. First he went online and found out as much as he could about panic attacks and then he located a therapist who helped him work through his issues. It took time but eventually Ryan emerged out of his tunnel of grief and began to restore life.

So what is the message here. Simply put that if you suffer from panic attacks there is usually a deep rooted cause. Problem for many sufferers is that they endure the symptoms alone thinking that virtual withdrawal is the best way to deal with them. Understand that nothing will be achieved taking this course of action as the reason attacks usually occur is because of what’s being conjured up in your own mind. And trying to deal with it alone is always a hopeless cause because it’s just you and your thoughts for company.

Dealing with panic attack symptoms doesn’t have to be a lone journey. Remember, attacks have the ability to cause your heart to stop, prevent you from breathing and basically cause you unnecessary mental anguish. At least seek advice. Many sufferers refrain from doing this because they assume it has “mental problem” connotations. Take the first step and make an appointment to at least visit your health physician. Begin the process of decreasing the instance of panic attacks from your life with that first very step.

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Suffering from a panic attack at work can be very upsetting. When you’re at work, you might want to keep certain things private, but having a panic attack can ruin this for you.

The problem with panic attacks is that they can happen anywhere and at any time. NOTHING about panic attacks follows any logical rules. You can be stressed and still be fine; you can be relaxed and suddenly get one.

An employee can lose their confidence, perhaps under performs and also become extremely self-conscious of what their co-workers might be thinking. Panic Attack Sufferers Guard Their ‘Secret’

This is why panic attack sufferers want to keep this private and hope their ‘secret’ is never known. A panic attack can make this incredibly difficult. There may be an urge to escape.

Panic attacks can lead to panic disorder, which can lead to agoraphobia. This could result in being absent from work or worse, even lead to becoming unemployed.

Sufferers will go to extreme lengths to conceal their secret and will even resort to lying and making up excuses. This may eventually catch up with them and they may be let go.

This is why it is VERY important to do something about the problem, because, as mentioned, one problem can so easily lead to other problems, including depression.

It is a treatable condition, but it will require work. Only by working at the problem and practicing will you eventually get better. There are things that can also reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.Conventional And Alternative Treatments Do Work

Taking medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very helpful. CBT requires your active participation, so be prepared to face the challenges.

There are many drugs available today, so one will be right for you. If something doesn’t work, tell your doctor so that you can go onto something else. There are many other treatment options too.

Panic Away and The Linden Method are two drug-free programs created by ex-sufferers. Thousands have used their programs to overcome their issues and live normally and free of fear.

If you’ve postponed looking for help but then suffered a panic attack at work, it’s time you did something. There’s no reason to keep suffering because you can get better.

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Firstly, what is a panic attack? A commonly accepted definition of a panic attack is ‘an exaggeration of the body’s normal response to fear, stress or excitement’. 20% of the adult population have experienced a panic attack which if left untreated can become a more regular occurrence. Some people have one or two panic attacks and never experience another while others have attacks once a month or several times each week. Even the fear of anticipating the next attack can be quite overwhelming for most people.
Typical signs of a panic attack area pounding heart, profuse sweating, higher sensory alertness and thoughts racing through the head which can be brought on without warning during any daily activity. Other symptoms include a tingling sensation in the limbs and a feeling of faintness. All of these sensations are brought on by adrenalin flooding the body in response to a potentially threatening situation. Some people can get so panicked that they will admit themselves to the emergency room in the mistaken belief that they’re having a full blown cardiac arrest. In fact twenty five per cent of those people who are admitted to hospital for chest pains are experiencing panic attacks and not heart attacks. Panic attacks can come on very quickly and usually last for between five and 20 minutes.
One of the causes of panic attacks is chronic stress which can be caused by financial worries, loss of a job, or perhaps a divorce, but more generally through unresolved emotional issues. People can have a full blown panic attack because they have grown up with some type of emotional trauma which they have repressed and never really dealt with. The situation can be exasperated through lack of sleep and the use of drugs, nicotine and alcohol or a poor diet which is high in sugar and caffeine which can all contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Psychotherapy can also be just as important in treating panic disorders as medication. Mental therapy helps establish the irrational fears which can then be addressed with relaxation techniques. A combination of both medical and psychological treatment can ease anxiety and prevent panic attacks, together with proper lifestyle choices.
Panic attacks can affect both men and woman, but women are much more likely to seek help whereas men typically tend to internalize anxiety and stress and may even turn to alcohol in order feel more relaxed. Use of alcohol is not a long term effective treatment and can even lead to alcoholism.
If you do experience a panic attack the first thing to concentrate on is your breathing. When we’re anxious we tend to breathe more shallow which in turn leads to increase in heart rate. You should take deep breaths and try to relax. Longer term treatment should include therapy, medication and a healthier lifestyle. Follow the basics of self care with exercise and diet, and surround yourself with a support network that you can talk and discuss any issues, so that you don’t have to live in fear.

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Ask anyone who lives with the fear of panic attack symptoms. It’s certainly an uncomfortable thought not know when the next panic attack symptom will emerge.

Panic attack is described as an intense and sudden feeling of fear and anxiety. In fact, people having a panic attack may very well think they are experiencing a heart attack. Panic attack symptom includes rapid heart beat, trembling, shallow breathing at a quickfire pace, light headedness and pins and needles.

Living with the fear of the unknown – not knowing when the next panic attack will occur – can be alleviated somewhat with medications. Some medications can reduce the symptoms of panic attack quite significantly although, there is no real cure for panic attack. While medications can alleviate some of the symptoms of panic attack it’s certainly not a good idea to continue taking them. Speaking with panic attack specialists, the one common message among them was that sufferers must first isolate the cause of their panic attack before can they begin to deal with it. Knowing what triggers a panic attack episode will go a long way in keeping any future episodes under control.

It’s important to point out that while a panic attack is an uncomfortable experience, it will only last for 30-40 minutes. You won’t die from a panic attack as some people wrongly believe. Research has shown that the tendency to be anxious can possibly be inherited through our genes although further research is needed to set this theory in concrete.

Talking about your panic attack problem, believe it or not can help. A trusted friend or relative, perhaps someone who has experienced panic attacks themselves but it’s understandable panic attack sufferers in the main, prefer to keep quiet about there condition.

Perhaps getting in touch with self help groups or something similar may provide a more comfortable and secure environment in discussing your panic attack symptoms. Your physician should be able to point you in the right direction. Relaxation control methods can be very effective, while going to the extreme, but in most instances,effective treatment; then psychotherapy could be a last resort.

Panic attack sufferers should definitely avoid alcohol. Thinking alcohol can relieve panic attack symptoms is a big mistake. About one in three sufferers will turn to alcohol and it’s understandable that foremost on their minds is relieving their panic attack symptoms. However, more than likely, bouts of depression will follow leaving them worse off and causing further problems. Certainly consuming one, maybe two drinks is not likely to cause undue stress but abusing alcohol and going over the limit will trigger further panic symptoms in most cases.

For severe panic attack sufferers life can be very miserable. Often, episodes may occur unexpectedly several times during a day and if this is you, then you really should consult a physician.

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